Report: FSFE Booth and Activity at Chaos Communication Camp 2023

The Chaos Communication Camp 2023 brought together technologists, activists, and enthusiasts to discuss, share, and celebrate software freedom, privacy, and various aspects of technology. The FSFE participated in the event, being part of the 'Bits und Bäume' village. The village offered a platform for engaging discussions, workshops, and activities.

Activities and Engagements

The FSFE booth was only one of the options to find the Free Software Foundation Europe at the event. Tobias Diekershoff and Bonnie Mehring, who represented the FSFE at the event, also gave several sessions about their work for software freedom and the various activities at the FSFE.

Talks

The first talk, given by Bonnie Mehring, focused on the activities around the I Love Free Software Day. Even though the I Love Free Software Day has been running for over a decade now, this was the first talk about its history, the importance of the day, past activities, and upcoming ones. Its title "Sharing the Power of Appreciation: I Love Free Software Day" says it all. The talk highlighted the significance of the annual "I Love Free Software Day" and its impact on raising awareness and gratitude for Free Software contributors.

Bonnie Mehring, FSFE's Project Manager, presenting about I Love Free Software Day

The second talk was hosted at the Jugend Hackt stage and focused on the Youth Hacking 4 Freedom coding contest for young Europeans. This presentation showcased the importance of involving young minds in Free Software, encouraging them to be part of the movement, and helping them meet like-minded people and create friendships throughout the contest. Currently, the second round of the contest is still running, while the third one will be announced by the end of the year. To stay tuned, please subscribe to the yh4f-info mailing list.

Workshop

A workshop on the REUSE tool was conducted at the Bits und Bäume workshop tent by Tobias Diekershoff. This interactive session educated attendees about the benefits of using the REUSE tool for managing and sharing Free Software projects, emphasizing the importance of proper licensing and documentation.

Book Reading

A captivating book reading session featuring the children's book "Ada and Zangemann" was also held by Bonnie Mehring at the Family village. This heartwarming story introduced young readers to the world of technology, tinkering, and software freedom through the adventures of Ada, a young hacker who learns about controlling and understanding technology.

Ada and Zangemann book picture — The children book Ada and Zangemann

Free Software Singalong

And as it has become quite a tradition, the FSFE organised the Free Software singalong, a delightful and fun activity that served as an easy entry point for newcomers to learn about and engage with the Free Software Foundation Europe. Three sessions were held, each with musical accompaniment. Attendees enjoyed singing along while connecting with like-minded individuals.

The FSFE at the Chaos Communication Camp

At the Chaos Communication Camp 2023, the FSFE booth showcased a new and inviting setup. Smaller tables and comfortable air cushions were arranged, creating a relaxed environment for attendees to engage in conversations, read materials, and discuss Free Software.The thoughtful seating arrangement encouraged networking and interactions within the Free Software community.

Three chairs standing behind the FSFE's booth at the Bits und Baeume village — "The Free Software Foundation Europe's booth at the Bits und Bäume village"

The FSFE's presence at the Chaos Communication Camp 2023 was marked by its strong commitment to fostering community engagement and spreading awareness about Free Software. The variety of activities offered something for everyone, from thought-provoking talks and workshops to interactive storytelling and joyful singalongs. Attendees had the opportunity to learn, share, and connect with fellow enthusiasts, thereby enriching the overall event experience

Participating actively in the Chaos Communication Camp 2023, as part of the 'Bits und Bäume' village, the FSFE left an indelible mark. The engaging talks, workshops, book reading, and singalongs contributed to raising awareness and educating attendees about the importance of software freedom, by promoting the values of Free Software at the Chaos Communication Camp.

Entrance to Bits und Baeume village by night — "The Free Software Foundation Europe's booth at the Bits und Bäume village"

The event was great fun and wouldn't have been possible without the commitment of our volunteers. Thank you for joining us at the Chaos Communication Camp 2023! ❤️❤️❤️